The Canadian Association of Oilwell Drilling Contractors (CAODC) has launched a campaign to fill an immediate need for 3,000 people to help drill oil and gas wells in western Canada. The Calgary trade association took the unusual step of advertising in newspapers and on radio in several provinces to draw experienced, as well as new, employees to the industry. "Our 90 member companies, which run more than 1,500 rigs, are facing a severe shortage of people to work on their oil and gas drilling and service rigs," says CAODC president Don Herring. "We're always looking for good people to enter the industry. But the demand for oil and gas is high enough that most of the fleet will be in the field this winter and we need to recruit people right away. The best people for these jobs are those who like the challenge this career offers, which includes working outdoors and with heavy equipment." The association is running the ads in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, New Brunswick and Newfoundland. The ads point out that the jobs have a starting wage of at least C$16 per hour, plus overtime, and accommodation allowances that can reach up to C$95 per day. The work usually involves 12-hour shifts and a schedule of three weeks at work and one week off. The association operates a toll-free telephone line, 866-RIG-WORK, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. MST to take inquiries from potential workers.

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